Mobile Market

The goal of the Mobile Market program is to help alleviate hunger throughout the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) service area through the provision of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread and other items to communities in need. These products are intended for people that are at risk of hunger; however, what makes this program unique is that there are no restrictions; the food is distributed to everyone that wants to participate. The low-barrier nature of the program makes it an accessible safety net for those experiencing food insecurity who do not qualify for other food assistance programs for any variety of reasons.

Food items are delivered by CAFB to partner agencies. Partner agencies along with volunteers facilitate a farmer’s market style food distribution where recipients can get quality food at no cost. Mobile Markets are expected to put an emphasis on customer service and accessibility to ensure that each recipient will receive their food with dignity, just as if they were walking into a grocery store and buying it.

Looking To Become A Partner?

Agencies do not have to have 501c3 status in order to become a Mobile Market partner, but they do have to meet a number of other requirements. These requirements include (but are not limited to) space to accommodate a market, public transit accessibility and parking, means to acquire needed tools/materials, unrestricted access to the distribution site and 1-2 site coordinators who are available during the delivery time.

An interested agency would begin by contacting the Mobile Market Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator would learn about the agency, give information about the requirements, and if all goes well, schedule a site visit. Agencies are accepted as a Partner based on accessibility, capacity, location and the level of unmet need in their area.

Looking To Become A Participant?

Call the CAFB Hunger Lifeline for the nearest Mobile Market. Show up with a bag or other container to hold food in. That’s it!

Impact in Your Inbox

From the blog

On a brisk and rainy December morning, the Naval Academy was on deck to serve. Hunger doesn’t take a break because of bad weather. To help the many people who rely on our markets, the food bank relies on dedicated volunteers. Members of the Midshipmen Action Group (MAG), an organization that prepares Academy students for future service, displayed that spirit of service at a recent community market.

This #GivingTuesday, we’re asking the community to help raise the funds for 400,000 meals in one day. With your support, we can do it! When you give, you’ll be strengthening the community by getting meals to neighbors across Washington and the surrounding Virginia and Maryland suburbs who need them.

Homelessness and food insecurity were never a part of the retirement that Warren, a veteran of the US Army, had envisioned for himself. But when they became his reality, support from the food bank and its partner Access Housing Inc. helped him move toward a new future.